Joseph Saraco

Deland Area Guide

History

Originally known as Persimmon Hollow for the abundance of wild persimmon trees that grow around the natural springs, DeLand was originally accessible only via Steamboat up the St. Johns River. Settled in 1874 by Captain John Rich, it was visited in 1876 by Henry Addison DeLand, a baking soda magnate from New York. Mr. DeLand had a vision of the land as a center of agriculture, citrus and tourism and bought land, founding the town he named for himself. Selling his business, he hired people to clear land, lay out streets and recruit settlers, most of whom were his fellow New Yorkers. Incorporated in 1882, the city became the county seat in 1887 and legend has it, it was the first city in Florida to have electricity.

During the 1920’s Florida land boom, DeLand’s streets saw fine examples of stucco Mediterranean Revival style architecture rise, many of which today have been beautifully restored. One such building is the recently re-opened Athens Theatre, a landmark and legend. For more see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeLand,_Florida
DeLand had its first tremendous growth spurt, both in population and building. A new style of Mediterranean architecture was seen. Subdivisions were opened all over the area and sidewalks were installed downtown. The city limits were expanded west to the river, east to lake Winnemissett, and south to Orange Camp Road and north to Daytona Road. The expansion of the city lasted but a few years. In 1928, the great depression brought hard times to the city, but DeLand , like the rest of the country, recovered and prospered. By the time World War II came, the Navy had built an airbase in DeLand and after the war, it was turned over to the city in 1946, DeLand had its own municipal airport. http://www.planetflorida.net/deland-hist/
Today, DeLand is known for Stetson University and as “The Athens of Florida” as well as for its tourist attractions and such events as the Central Florida Hot Air Balloon Rally as well as their Outdoor Art Festival. Visitors are amazed at the sights they see, from the beautiful Oak trees that line the streets, to the museums and art galleries. Past meets present and the two are living comfortably with each other.

EVENTS

Spring Events
Central Florida Hot Air Balloon Rally
DeLand Outdoor Art Festival

Summer Events
Volusia County Cattlemens' Rodeo
July 4th Celebrations
Firecracker Invitational Baseball Tournament
Winter Events
Christmas Parades
St. Johns Riverboat Parade
Blue Spring Manatee Festival
Stetson Christmas Festivities
Debary Magnolia Ball
Fall Events
Volusa County Fair
DeLand-St. Johns Riverton Festival
DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts
For more information on these events, please visit: http://www.thecloisters.com/deland.html

ATTRACTIONS

Museum of Florida Art
The mission of the Museum of Florida Art promotes and showcases Florida Art, emerging and established Florida Artists through exhibitions and educational and interpretive programming made available to a diverse statewide audience of all ages.

 The DeLand House
The DeLand House Museum was originally built in 1886 for DeLand's first attorney, Arthur George Hamlin, who also developed the Hamlin Orange. While there, visit the gazebo that contains a bust of Lue Gim Gong, known as “The Citrus Wizard,” an early pioneer in developing varities of grape fruit and oranges.




African American Museum of the Arts
Founded in 1994, the museum houses a revolving gallery where visitors will find works of both established and emerging artists. The museum is also home to a permanent collection of more than 150 artifacts, including sculptures and masks from countries of Africa. In addition to the visual arts, the museum founded the Little Theater of DeLand  in 1999 to afford children and adults an opportunity to develop their dramatic abilities. http://www.africanmuseumdeland.org/aboutus.htm

PARKS

Blue Spring State Park - In the winter you can consistently see West Indian manatees (Be sure to follow all guidelines for protecting this endangered species). An amazing experience, you can also see red-bellied turtles and large snapping turtles. Snorkeling will reveal bass, tarpon and armored catfish among others, but if snorkeling doesn’t interest you, you can rent a canoe and explore!
DeLeon Springs State Park - Only 15 minutes to the north of DeLand, it’s an excellent canoeing and kayaking site. Watch for the numerous alligators outside the spring area. There is now even a small manatee population during the winter.

Alexander Springs - One of the biggest and most spectacular springs in the state, the site has been left in an almost completely natural condition. With great visibility underwater, a swimmer can see everything from fish to alligators, especially along the edges under the weeds. To get a sense of the different eco systems that thrive in Alexander Springs, enjoy the hiking trail next to the springs, it’s an excellent way to get to know the area. . Canoes can be rented here to explore the wilderness along the spring run (Watch for river otters, bald eagles, limpkins and alligators). The site is about 40 minutes from DeLand but well worth the drive.
Fern Hammock Springs - Once within the Juniper Springs area, you can get a map to the springs and take a 10-15 minute walk to see some fascinating sights. You’ll be amazed at how the colored sand shifts with the slow movements of the water, putting on its own light show. Even though there’s no swimming allowed, due to the fragile eco system, the time spent is well worth it.
Rock Springs – A surface cave that is small but lovely, Rock Springs is a fantastic place for tubing as well as snorkeling. A small but lovely spring coming out of a surface cave, Rock Springs is a fantastic place for tubing as well as snorkeling. Canoe rentals are available at King’s landing nearby for the Rock Springs Run. Three campsites along the run can be reserved through the Wekiwa Spring State Park north of Orlando. http://www2.stetson.edu/~rsitler/Nature/

For more information on the parks and attractions of DeLand, Florida, visit: http://www.deland.org/pages/index